"Obviously, we will abide by the one-game suspension from the Big Ten Conference, but we feel as if there was poor judgment throughout.

"We concur that Kurt's hit was late and a result of poor judgment; he was thus penalized and removed from the game by his coaches. We do not agree that it was 'pre-meditated' or that he was 'targeting a defenseless' player.

"The decision to suspend points to the Conference office's feeling as if there was poor judgment by the game officials for their decision not to eject at the time.

"In our estimation, the final 'poor judgment' is in levying a one-game suspension in this particular case. We will abide by the decision, learn from it, and move forward."

The release also said that "Ohio State will have no further comment regarding this matter."

This is the third suspension the Big Ten has issued this season, all for one game. In its release announcing the suspension, the league said it would have no further comment.

Coleman, a senior captain from Dayton, is the Buckeyes' second-leading tackler with 29. He leads OSU with three forced fumbles.